The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) on July 8 told new incoming commune councillors to declare their assets and liabilities in 30 days from the day that they assume office.

This instruction comes on the heels of a similar one issued by the Ministry of Interior on July 5, both of which were based on the Anti-Corruption Law.

The law also stipulates that although re-elected councillors need not declare their assets and liabilities within 30 days of the subsequent term, they must do so in January no later than two years after their previous declaration.

In a notification letter, the ACU remarked that 4,754 out of the 11,622 councillors elected on June 5 for the fifth mandate had never held the position, or 40.9 per cent. Similarly, 4,644 out of the 11,572 councillors of the fourth mandate did not run for another five-year term, or 40.1 per cent.

The ACU also reminded outgoing commune councillors to make a final declaration within 30 days after leaving office.